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The Highest-Rated Episodes Of The Bear: Why The Most Stressful Chapters Score A Perfect 9.7

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The FX/Hulu sensation, The Bear, has captivated audiences and critics alike, not just for its frenetic, high-stakes kitchen drama, but for its incredibly high-quality, consistently-rated episodes. As of December 2025, the series has maintained a near-perfect critical consensus across multiple seasons, yet a closer look at the individual episode ratings reveals a fascinating trend: the show's most stressful, experimental, and guest-star-heavy chapters are the ones that resonate most deeply with viewers, earning scores that place them among the highest-rated TV episodes of all time. We dive into the definitive episode rankings, the shocking viewership data for the most recent seasons, and the core cast that makes it all work.

The journey of Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto, his sous chef Sydney Adamu, and the chaotic family at The Original Beef of Chicagoland—now The Bear—has been a masterclass in modern television, blending culinary intensity with profound psychological drama. The show's sophomore season, in particular, delivered a run of episodes that broke the internet and set new standards for television excellence, with one particular episode achieving a near-unanimous perfect score from fans.

The Core Cast and Creative Team Biography

The success of The Bear rests on the shoulders of its talented ensemble cast and the visionary creative team led by Christopher Storer. Here is a look at the key players who bring the Chicago restaurant world to life:

  • Jeremy Allen White as Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto: The central figure, a world-class, but deeply troubled, chef who returns home to run his late brother's sandwich shop. White’s intense, nuanced performance has earned him multiple awards.
  • Ayo Edebiri as Sydney Adamu: An ambitious, talented young chef who joins Carmy as his sous chef and business partner, often serving as the strategic and emotional counterpoint to his chaos.
  • Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Richard "Richie" Jerimovich: Carmy's cousin and the former manager, whose arc from abrasive veteran to a man finding his purpose is one of the show's most celebrated storylines.
  • Lionel Boyce as Marcus Brooks: The kind-hearted pastry chef who dedicates himself to mastering the art of desserts, often traveling to Copenhagen for inspiration.
  • Liza Colón-Zayas as Tina Marrero: A veteran line cook whose initial resistance to change gives way to a maternal mentorship role for Sydney and a renewed passion for cooking.
  • Abby Elliott as Natalie "Sugar" Berzatto: Carmy's sister, who reluctantly steps in to become the project manager for the new restaurant, representing the family's emotional anchor.
  • Matty Matheson as Neil Fak: The restaurant's handyman and longtime family friend, who provides comic relief and a vital, albeit unqualified, presence in the kitchen.
  • Creative Team: Created by Christopher Storer, who also serves as co-showrunner alongside Joanna Calo.

The Definitive Ranking: Top 5 Highest-Rated Episodes by IMDb Score

While the overall series maintains a stellar 99% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes for Season 2, the true measure of audience love is often found in the individual IMDb episode scores. These ratings highlight the episodes that pushed the boundaries of filmmaking, character development, and emotional intensity. The highest-rated episodes consistently belong to the acclaimed Season 2.

#1: "Forks" (Season 2, Episode 7) - The Perfect 9.7 Score

The consensus pick for the show's masterpiece, "Forks," is not just the highest-rated episode of The Bear; it is frequently cited as one of the best single episodes of television in recent memory.

  • The Plot: The episode is a standalone character study focusing entirely on Richie Jerimovich (Ebon Moss-Bachrach). Carmy sends Richie to stage (an unpaid internship) at a high-end, three-Michelin-star restaurant.
  • Why It Scores So High: It's a profound, emotional departure from the restaurant's chaos. The episode focuses on Richie's journey from a lost, angry man to someone who finds purpose and meticulousness in the world of fine dining, symbolized by his "Every Second Counts" mantra and his perfect tableside service. It’s a beautifully shot, deeply satisfying redemption arc that gives the audience a much-needed emotional release and sense of hope.

#2: "Fishes" (Season 2, Episode 6) - The Stressful 9.6 Score

The second highest-rated episode is the exact opposite of "Forks" in tone, yet equally masterful. "Fishes" is a 66-minute Christmas flashback that plunges the audience into the Berzatto family's toxic, chaotic holiday dinner, providing crucial context for Carmy's trauma and the death of his brother, Mikey.

  • The Plot: Set five years before the main series, the episode features a stunning array of A-list guest stars, including Jamie Lee Curtis as Donna Berzatto (Carmy’s mother), Bob Odenkirk, Sarah Paulson, John Mulaney, and Gillian Jacobs.
  • Why It Scores So High: The episode is a masterclass in high-anxiety filmmaking, explaining the deep-seated emotional wounds of the entire family. It's an intense, claustrophobic look at generational trauma, drunken arguments, and the impossible pressure cooker of a dysfunctional family gathering. It is the narrative engine that powers the entire series.

#3: "Review" (Season 1, Episode 7) - The Season 1 Peak 9.5 Score

The penultimate episode of the debut season remains the peak of the original run, showcasing the raw, unedited chaos that first defined The Bear.

  • The Plot: The kitchen is hit with a surprise rush after a glowing review from a food critic, leading to a meltdown of epic proportions. The episode is famous for its single-take opening sequence, which captures the terrifying, non-stop motion of a kitchen under siege.
  • Why It Scores So High: This episode perfectly encapsulates the show's signature style: the intense, documentary-like realism of a busy kitchen, the rapid-fire dialogue, and the emotional collapse of the staff under pressure. It's a pure shot of adrenaline that cemented the show's reputation.

#4: "The Bear" (Season 2, Episode 10) - The Emotional Finale 9.4 Score

The Season 2 finale, where the new restaurant finally opens, is a high-wire act of triumph and disaster.

  • The Plot: The Friends and Family opening night is a success, but Carmy gets trapped in the walk-in fridge, leading to a devastating emotional outburst that fractures his relationships with both Sydney and Richie.
  • Why It Scores So High: It delivers on the promise of the entire season's build-up while simultaneously pulling the rug out from under the audience. The high-stakes culinary success is immediately undercut by Carmy’s self-sabotage, proving that his personal demons are the ultimate obstacle. It’s a perfect, bittersweet ending that leaves the audience desperate for more.

#5: "Omelette" (Season 2, Episode 9) - Sydney's Success 8.8 Score

This episode is a pivotal moment for Sydney Adamu, showcasing her growth and the immense pressure of opening a new restaurant.

  • The Plot: Sydney grapples with the stress of the impending opening, culminating in her creating a perfect, comforting omelette for Carmy using a technique she learned from a mentor.
  • Why It Scores So High: It’s a quieter, more focused episode that highlights the professional relationship between the two chefs. It’s a testament to Sydney’s rising authority and her ability to anchor the chaos, providing a rare moment of culinary and emotional peace amidst the storm.

Viewership and Critical Acclaim: The Season 3 and 4 Phenomenon

The ratings trajectory for The Bear speaks volumes about its cultural impact, with each season's premiere surpassing the last, even as the critical reception begins to show slight cracks.

Season 3's Record-Breaking Premiere

The third season, which premiered on June 26, 2024, was a monumental success for Hulu.

  • Hulu History: The premiere of Season 3 was watched 5.4 million times in its first four days, securing the title of the largest scripted FX premiere in Hulu history.
  • Streaming Dominance: The season tallied an astonishing 1.2 billion viewing minutes in its debut week, demonstrating a massive surge in audience interest and binge-watching behavior for the Jeremy Allen White-led series.

The Surprising Dip in Season 4 Reception

Despite the show's consistent acclaim, the subsequent Season 4, which debuted with all 10 episodes on Wednesday, June 25, has introduced a new, surprising narrative for the series' legacy.

  • Worst-Reviewed Season: According to reports, The Bear Season 4 is its "Worst-Reviewed By A Significant Margin," a stark contrast to the near-perfect 100% and 99% scores of the first two seasons.
  • Viewership Decline: The season tallied 917 million viewing minutes in its first five days, a significant 24% drop in viewership compared to the Season 3 debut. This suggests that while the show remains immensely popular, the critical and audience consensus for the latest installment is beginning to show signs of fatigue or division. The shift in tone or narrative focus may be the cause of this slight, but notable, drop in critical love and viewership.
The Highest-Rated Episodes of The Bear: Why the Most Stressful Chapters Score a Perfect 9.7
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